knock back

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He also appeared to knock back a suggestion floated by the EU's defence commissioner Andrius Kubilius earlier this month for a possible European defence force that could replace US troops on the continent.

From Barron's • Jan. 26, 2026

The agency’s experts are confident scaling the pilot up now to knock back the barred owl invasion can give the northern spotted owl a chance at recovery.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 6, 2023

Operators and landlords said the council should only knock back applications if there are safety concerns or if the landlord has been shown to be irresponsible.

From BBC • Aug. 4, 2023

But for all the tension in markets around the inflation release, any hope that one month's data will alter the Federal Reserve's tightening course received a knock back.

From Reuters • Nov. 10, 2022

When Zu reached over to knock back the hood of the girl’s “Virginia Is for Lovers” sweatshirt, she revealed a long, glossy black braid.

From "The Darkest Minds" by Alexandra Bracken